CDF praises role in Iraq

The Chief of the Defence Force, GEN Peter Cosgrove, addresses members of HMAS Stuart on a recent visit to The Gulf.

The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), General Peter Cosgrove, has become the first armed forces chief from any of the coalition members to visit Iraq since the transfer of authority on June 28.

He recently spent four days with Australian personnel deployed to Operation Catalyst.
General Cosgrove met the new commander of the Multinational Force – Iraq (MNF-I), General George W. Casey who took command on July 1.

The visit provided the CDF with an important opportunity to reinforce Australia’s close military relationship with our coalition allies and to gain first-hand knowledge of MNF-I’s progress in providing a secure environment for Iraq to prosper.

“Amongst the violence, there are so many good things happening in Iraq. There is real progress being made in the quality of life for the great majority of Iraqis,” GEN Cosgrove said.

The CDF saw first-hand Australia’s contribution to the restoration and rehabilitation of Iraq and discussed the operation with the Commander of Australian Forces, Brigadier Peter Hutchinson, and met members serving in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).

“I am continually delighted by the sense of purpose and cheerfulness of every Aussie I meet in Iraq. There’s no disguising the danger and hardship they face,” General Cosgrove said. “I am very proud of our country men and women who are giving 110 per cent to help rehabilitate Iraq.”

While in Baghdad CDF visited the Security Detachment (SECDET) and addressed the Diggers.
During his address the CDF unveiled the design of the new Iraq medals that all qualifying troops will be awarded for their service as part of Operation Catalyst.

While at SECDET General Cosgrove performed the highest promotion done in the field during Operation Catalyst when he promoted Colonel Don Higgins to the star rank of Brigadier.

In addition to his visit to Baghdad, CDF also visited HMAS Stuart.

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